Around 200 people aged between 11 and 78 recently visited CQUniversity Mackay to hear from one of the key production team members from the world's highest-grossing movie - Avatar.

Dana Peters, the Head of the Creatures Department at visual effects and animation studio Weta Digital*, delivered a free seminar about 'The Making of Avatar'.

Dana Peters from Weta Digital was the centre of attention in Mackay

The audience included students from the Bachelor of Multimedia Studies, graduates, school teachers and local secondary students. People travelled from as far away as Rockhampton and Brisbane to attend.

Feedback about the event was overwhelmingly positive, according to lecturer Dr Steve Pace.

"Dana showed previously unseen behind-the-scenes photos and video clips throughout his presentation. Special permission was obtained from Twentieth Cenury Fox to allow this," Dr Pace said.

"Dana's presentation covered a wide range of topics including 3D modelling and animation processes, cutting-edge motion capture technology, software tools, James Cameron's directorial style, the challenges of working in a team of 900 people, and how to get a job in the industry.

"After the presentation, audience members enjoyed refreshments and chatted with the guest speaker and University staff. A lot of interest was shown in programs offered by the School of Creative & Performing Arts - not just multimedia, but also music and theatre."

Dr Pace said Dana had only delivered this presentation in two other places throughout the world - one in New Zealand and one in the United States.

The presentation ended with an audience question-and-answer session, followed by a vote of thanks from Associate Professor Donna Lee Brien. The evening also featured short films, animations and other creative works by students from the School of Creative & Performing Arts.

* New Zealand's Weta Digital is also known for its work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong.